Review: DCI Orlando (Friday)

Several interesting show reviews are published on the Drum Corps Planet forums this summer. This weekend, a major DCI show in Orlando took place. Here follows a review of the Friday show, written by a DCP forum member.

"Before I begin I have a couple of things I need to get off my chest. I don't understand whats come of the drum corps who think we want to see the same drill moves over and over and how many different ways can we see a horn line prance and dance. I also am so tired of seeing the same drill moves for instance: triangle, box, move in to the famous "s" move (is what I call it) and go back into the neat little box; also the fake company front and a fake crescendo. If you're going to do a company front fake or other wise, please feel free to blow my face off! Thank you, this is what I want to hear. Not some half butt crescendo, thank you checking!

On to the show-first off although I was thinking it was going to rain, it did a little where I live, I am glad to report, it didn't rain! Woo hoo. It was muggy beautiful drum corps weather.

Teal Sound - Since I last saw this corps it was at the "Night of Magic" and I must say, Go Teal Sound! I didn't like the fact that such talent is wasted on this heavy metal stuff, I guess I'll never understand that. That dang percussion section was smoking and they cleaned up their drill ALOT, and the color guard was very nice! I think the scores reflected their hard work, but could've been higher in my book. Nice job - score 63.20, the only division 3 corps there so they obviously won the gold.

Colts - Nice, nice drill, I loved the "Old Man River, I don't know what to say about this corps cause alot of it; quite frankly didn't do much for me. I do think for what they are doing that they should've scored higher, their color guard was nice. I guess I'm just not getting it,- meaning the scores and/or some of these shows. Score: 74.15 - 9th place.

Capital Regiment - First part of their show I liked, they have a nice opener, and then that's about it for me. Maybe the closer comes back and does something, I can't remember. They are very clean they can march and they still have some intonation problems as well. But they are in the hunt for finals, I think. Score: 75.05 - 8th place.

Mandarins - I've never seen this corps, but their visual is what did it for them tonight folks. They can march as well. I don't think their horn line projects as well as some of the others but the show concept is nice. I liked the show concept the Samauri's! They're color guard was very nice, and the recap results reflect it. Score: 71.85 - 10th place.

Blue Knights- I like their horn line although it appeared they went into the "bleeps and bloops" arrangement. I wish they would just play more music instead of all these bleeps and bloops. I really liked thier horn line alot. They will make finals. I see on my notes I made that I like their flags alot, I remember they have a very strong visual program with their color guard. Score: 82.05 - 5th place.

Magic of Orlando - I don't like the beginning of their show where they are doing this Cadet like opener and it appears as if it's a "Mistake" while the announcer is saying, "Is the corps ready", they are moving around on the field, or whatever they're doing. Sorry, just doesn't cut it guys. Not at this point in the game. (See I can be objective about this corps). Also, since I last saw them alot of changes in their drill so obviously they just learned a new ending from my understanding. Their color guard has come a long way. They still have some phasing problems in one part of the show, and intonation problems, and I hope they get their marching clean, still dirty parts. However, I must say, they did receive a standing ovation and the crowd ate up their show. They loved their Magic. I know it's probably because it's in Orlando, but whatever. I liked the visuals going on. The judges didn't agree and that's where the Mandarins beat them. Score a disappointing 70.125, that I don't agree with, and 11th place.

Intermission - I liked the interview with the fan the lady who said she's been marching in the Royal Air's and been in the activity more then some of us have been around, I'd like to meet her, she was a much older lady, but one of the coolest of the night. All those silly kids screaming in the microphone, couldn't understand what they were saying... but whatever floats your boat.

Next up Spirit from JSU - I really loved this show. I was surprised but I could tell that it was written by the Cavies guy right? Yeah, I think so. They can march!! They can play and that wonderful color guard. I think this show was one of the most underrated of the nights, meaning, I think they were better then Blue Knights all the way around. I just know what I like. I also enjoyed hearing the section of the show where they are playing the Bernstein it makes me flash back to 1984 SCV. Woo hoo. Score: 81.80 - 6th place.

Crossmen - My first time seeing all these corps so I couldn't tell you about whether their changes worked or not, but from looking at it it still looks dirty, of course, and also very clean. I liked their horn line, and I liked this show, it was okay with me. I don't like their new uniforms on the field. I wish they would've gone back with the silver. Score: 80.70 - 7th place.

Madison Scouts - For the first half of their show I sat in disbelief and was so frustrated with some of the earlier stuff I had seen, I began to cry. I thought we had lost Madison as we know and love them with the contemporary things I guess I will never understand, however, when they turned around and began "Blowing my face off" I regained my composure and was okay again. I was like, "It's going to be okay". They delivered. The good old Madison way. I'm not the only one who thought this, several people around me agreed. We are all panicking. "Where's Madison"? Then whew, there they are, it's going to be alright. A well deserved 3rd place - 85.45.

Santa Clara Vanguard - They make me sigh and realize why I still enjoy going to these show. I was so incredibly blown away by every aspect of their show. The music, the drill, their drum line, their horn line, their soloists their color guard, INCREDIBLE. Watch out folks cause it's going to be a dog fight for the top spot and SCV is right there fighting. I don't care what anybody says, I know what I like and THIS is what I like and alot! It was worth sitting through all the bleeps and bloops to get to this point. And Thank you! Score 88.95 placing 2nd! Goosebumps of the night award! Oh and I don't know where you were sitting but where I was sitting the crowd response was much better for them then BD. Long standing ovation.

Blue Devils - This show is hot. Their visual progam is incredible and I don't like all of their drill, but that's just me. I liked alot of their music being a blues fan and of course their soloist bring it on, but to me there has always been a distinct difference in the way that BD carries themselves and the way SCV does. and I like the way SCV does it. But I know what I like... score: 89.90 - 1st place (Oh and I didn't agree by the way but knew it was going to happen).

Boston Crusaders - I know I said I was going to get a hot dog but as ironic as this sounds I was sitting next to the father of the guy who wrote their drill and was the band director for Tarpon Springs, so I guess I was raised different and I remained politely seated. I'm glad I did, the no narration was a highlight of the night. They don't need it in this show, it's fine without it! I hope they are keeping it out. They got a nice response from the crowd. But anyway, 84.700 - 4th place.

As I finish this review I reflect on many comments made around me and I must say the one that sticks out the most which is so true is the 6 or 7 year old kid who told his mommy, "They are all doing the same thing over and over, I want to see the Pirate show again". I guess he knows what he likes too uh? Sometimes the words of a kid are the most honest. "They are doing the same thing over and over" Hmm..." (Text: Drum Corps Planet Forums, Stephanie)